Chapter 23: The Time Traveler

At the very moment the Ring of Life formed, his consciousness seemed to soar into the high heavens as if in a dream, witnessing the entire world and touching its very pulse. Compared to the individual soul, the vast world was unfathomably deep, terrifying, and immense...

Yet, before he could observe anything further, he was instantly pulled back into his body, leaving Shad sitting on the sofa, suddenly aware of what he had just done.

There was no need to look back; the meanings of the two Spirit Runes were known to him instinctively. These runes represented the essence of his soul and the world’s recognition of his existence; they could not lie.

"The core rune at the very center of the Ring of Life can only be a brass-colored 'Enlightenment' rune, at least for ordinary humans. This is because the greatest power of humanity is civilization, while humanity itself is not particularly special.

"However, believers favored by gods may, depending on the deity's alignment, obtain golden 'Miracle' or silver 'Profanity' core runes upon their initiation. Such individuals are usually called the Chosen or Saints of the gods. Those who become Ring-術士 through incomplete initiation processes, utilizing the power of 'Relics,' may obtain black-iron 'Whisper' runes, though this carries grave risks for the soul."

The Doctor explained, his low, steady voice gradually pulling Shad back to reality.

With Shad’s initiation complete, Miss Louisa regained her right to speak and added:

"Of course, there are other exceptions, such as power inherited from ancestors, but that has nothing to do with us ordinary people."

Shad nodded. Seeing him looking at both of them, Dr. Schneider gestured for Shad to take a sip of his tea.

"Your complexion is quite poor, but that is normal. The forging of the Ring of Life is a transformation of the soul, and pain is to be expected. It will take a few days of rest to recover. I felt nothing at the time, but that night I was in such agony I couldn't sleep, as if someone were hammering on the gas pipes inside my head."

Although Shad did not feel unwell, he followed the Doctor's advice and picked up the teacup, letting the warm steam brush against his face.

"Then, Mr. Schneider, Miss Louisa, as for the number of core runes..."

Because of the voice in his head, the Outlander dared not easily assume he was "normal," and thus was unsure of the standard number of core Spirit Runes. He was currently struggling to suppress his joy at successfully touching the mysteries, while maintaining a baseline of reason and vigilance. He had already gained their trust; he could not show his abnormality.

The Doctor wore an expression that said, "I knew you would ask that."

"Core Spirit Runes are generally no more than three, but according to the Academy's data, eighty percent of people have two. After all, it is impossible for a soul to have only one prominent trait. However, there are unusual cases; the highest record was in the year 306 of the Universal Calendar, early in the Sixth Epoch. The Zaras Academy of Letters once had a Ring-術士 who possessed seven core Spirit Runes."

Shad no longer needed to pretend; he truly wore an expression of astonishment.

"What level of Ring-術士 did he eventually become?"

The blonde young lady writer shrugged.

"I don't know. That person was just a minor figure in history, and his exact name wasn't even recorded. Oh, I know what you’re thinking, but the number of core runes doesn't have much to do with the height of one's achievements. The Doctor is a typical case..."

The Doctor then revealed his own complete Ring of Life once more. At its center were two brass-colored Spirit Runes: "Light of the Soul" and "Dream."

"To translate, these are 'Dream' and 'Light of the Soul.' Generally speaking, the simpler the concept, the easier it is to interpret into multiple meanings, and the more powerful and comprehensive the miracles one can develop and create. So, personally, I find 'Dream' to be the stronger one."

Because the language of the Spirit Runes was not a contemporary one, the Doctor provided the translation, unaware that Shad had deciphered them at a glance.

"I have three, but that's not particularly special either."

As she spoke, a white mist of steam emerged behind Miss Louisa. Accompanied by the sound of a heavy hammer striking, a square-sectioned, rotating brass ring appeared, bearing three core Spirit Runes: "Writer," "Actor," and "The Other Princess."

She explained the meanings of her three core runes, noting that "Writer" was her most useful one, as it paired well with her profession. Miss Louisa was adept in brass-colored "Enlightenment" elements and excelled at finding power within stories and legends.

"The language used by Spirit Runes belongs to past eras. If one cannot find a way to translate them, one must ask the owner, who automatically understands their meaning. So, Shad, what about yours?"

The Doctor and the writer showed their powers voluntarily, partly to put Shad at ease so he wouldn't feel the need to hide. After all, the core Spirit Runes were related to the Academy and specialization after enrollment.

"Space-Time, Silver Moon."

Shad thought for a moment and decided there was no need to hide it. After the two words left his lips, he saw the expressions of surprise and suspicion on the faces of Dr. Schneider and Miss Louisa. He couldn't say he felt slightly smug, but at least he felt a sense of happiness.

"Both are quite broad concepts, which is good... The Academy has recorded many miracles regarding 'Silver Moon,' and it is quite easy to develop various new miracles from it. This Spirit Rune is quite rare, but not obscure. 'Space-Time'... are you sure it is 'Space-Time' and not 'Time' or 'Space'?"

The Doctor craned his neck to confirm.

"I am sure."

Shad nodded. Although he didn't encounter the trope of having talent so high that he shattered the test crystal ball, it was clear his talent was not ordinary. Shad controlled his emotions, showing just the right amount of curiosity rather than deep contemplation; these two core Spirit Runes seemed to share some sort of coincidence.

Especially "Silver Moon."

*Don't laugh,* he said to himself.

"Has 'Space-Time' never appeared before?"

As he asked, the Doctor and the young lady writer looked at each other. The latter explained:

"Of course it has, but it is extremely rare—abnormally rare. Even if you count every recorded case of someone possessing such a core rune, it doesn't exceed five. And as for Ring-術士 who obtained the 'Space-Time' Spirit Rune after initiation through contact with mysteries and ancient knowledge, there are likely fewer than 100 in history."

The Doctor looked at Shad with some hesitation.

"If it were only 'Silver Moon,' we would suggest you join the Academy of Mathematics; you could potentially become a miracle expert and a master of incantations. But since it is 'Space-Time,' you will undoubtedly choose the Academy of History. You will become a member of the Investigators, join the ranks of time explorers, and set out to uncover the secrets of the past.

"Even if I didn't recommend it, the professors at the Academy of History would never let you join any other faculty. There is no one more suited for this profession than one with 'Space-Time.' By stepping into the past, you will face more dangers, but you will also learn more secrets—the secrets of the fallen Old Gods."